Guide to Camp Wildcat for Parents, Campers, and Schools

About Camp Wildcat:

·   Founded at the University of Arizona in 1965.

·   A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

·   Student run, with support from a university advisor. Current advisor is Steve Holland, Assistant VP for Risk Management & Safety.

·   7 weekend camps for students from Title I schools and various single-day activities annually.

·   Annual budget of more than $20,000, met through constant fundraising efforts by membership.

 

General camp information:

·   Cost: Free. (All meals and supplies provided.)

·   Duration: Friday afternoon-Sunday afternoon.

·   Capacity: 40-60 campers on a “Big Camp,” 20-35 campers on an “Adventure Camp.”

·   Counselor to camper ratio that does not exceed 1:2.

·   Held at campsites in local state parks, or on the University of Arizona campus.

·   Participating schools in the 2008-2009 school year: Drexel Elementary, Imago Dei Middle, Lynn Urquides Elementary, Maxwell Middle, Altar Valley Middle, Davidson Elementary, Picture Rocks Intermediate.

 

Activities on camps:

·   Hands-on art, social studies, and science projects.

·   Team-building.

·   Hikes.

·   Environmental awareness.

·   Original skits, planned, rehearsed, and performed at camp.

·   Conversations about college and general success.

 

Camp Wildcat staff:

·   University of Arizona student volunteers from a variety of academic disciplines.

·   Fingerprinted in accordance with Arizona Department of Public Safety guidelines.

·   Trained in Camp Wildcat policies prior to camp.

·   Strictly enforced “truddy” system that requires counselors interacting with campers to be in groups of 3 or more at all times.

 

Risk Management:

·   Camp Wildcat is insured and adheres to a strict risk management policy.

·   “Insurance Officer” designated on every camp to maintain the Camp Wildcat insurance policy and serve as “camp nurse.” Responsible for attending to any illnesses/injuries and administering all medications.

·   Approximately 50% of staff, including “Insurance Officer,” is CPR/First Aid Certified on any given camp.

·   At least 1 staff member per camp is Food Handler Certified.

 

Working with parents:

·   Parent information letters and applications sent out, in both English and Spanish.

·   Parents called by staff the week before camp, in English or Spanish.

·   Parent Meeting held the week before camp.